Introduction

Houseleeks are often mentioned in books on alpines, rock gardens,
or cacti and succulents but there are very few books that deal
specifically with them. The most comprehensive sources of information
are found on the Internet. The following sites in particular, provide a
wealth of information:

This is the ultimate site for anyone interested in sempervivums.
The author, Gerard Dumont, concentrates on naturally occurring species but also
provides comprehensive information on all aspects of sempervivum
study. The text is mainly in French but some parts have been translated
into English. Even those who cannot read French will gain
a lot of information from this excellent site. There is also a
comprehensive bibliography that can be downloaded

Steve Smedley has brought together a large amount of information on
sempervivums and related plants gathered from a variety of sources. The site
includes a key to Sempervivum species and a large database of cultivars.

Books

The following publications are likely to be of interest to
enthusiasts but some are out of print and difficult to obtain.

Houseleeks - Howard and Sally Wills, (2000)
This is our own, privately produced A5 booklet. The content is based on the
information in this web site and it gives a general introduction to houseleeks and their cultivation,
together with lists of Sempervivum, Jovibarba
and Rosularia species. The booklet also includes brief descriptions of about 250 cultivars
and colour photographs of 11 different varieties. About 25 other
varieties appear in a group photograph, or on the front cover. Available from
ourselves. Click here for details.

The Genus Sempervivum and Jovibarba, Alan C. Smith (1975)
A privately published booklet containing descriptions of species
and cultivars together with a useful identification key. Available
from the author at 128 Leaves Green Road, Keston, Kent, BR2 6DG.
Price £2.00

An Account of the Sempervivum Group, Lloyd Praeger (1932)
A useful reference work for the enthusiast. The nomenclature is
now out of date and the more recently discovered species are not
included, but it does contain detailed descriptions, including
diagrams, of all the species known at the time. It was reprinted
in 1967 but even the reprint is no longer available.

Plant Jewels of the High Country "Sempervivums
and Sedums", Helen E. Payne
(1972)
This hard-back book contains photographs
and descriptions of a number of sempervivums and although the
nomenclature is out of date it makes interesting reading. There
are useful sections on the cultivation and display of plants.
The book is out of print but can sometimes be found in second-hand
bookshops.

A Monographic Study of the Genus Rosularia, Urs Eggli (1988)
This monograph, published by the British Cactus and Succulent
Society gives technical descriptions and illustrations of all
species of Rosularia. It is a pity that it does not include keys
for identification but it is an essential reference work for anyone
who is interested in this genus.

The RHS Plant Finder, The Royal Horticultural Society
This indispensable reference book (and CD-ROM) is published annually
by the Royal Horticultural Society and lists in alphabetical order
almost every species and variety of hardy ornamental plant available
commercially. With each reference there is a code which enables
the reader to look up the nurseries from which supplies may be
obtained. Available in most book shops or from The Royal Horticultural
Society, Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB.
The Plant Finder web site is at: http://www.plantpress.com/

Houseleeks - An Introduction, Mary and Peter Mitchell (Revised 1993)
This booklet covers some of the many facets of collecting and
growing members of the genera Jovibarba and Sempervivum. It provides
an introduction to this group of plants and contains a lot of
useful information both for beginners and for those who are Sempervivum
specialists. (This is now out of print)

International Cultivar Register for
Sempervivum JovibarbaRosularia, Vol. 1, Peter
J. Mitchell (1985)
This booklet lists all cultivars of Sempervivum, Jovibarba,
and Rosularia mentioned in literature up to and including
1982. Cultivars are listed in alphabetical order and for each
entry, details are given of any awards, the name of the originator
of the cultivar, and references to published descriptions or colour
plates.

Societies

The Alpine Garden Society
Web site: http://www.alpinegardensoc.demon.co.uk/
This is a society for all who are interested in Rock Gardening
and Alpine Plants. Members receive a Quarterly Bulletin and the
society organises shows, tours, and seed distributions. Details
from the Secretary:

A.G.S. Centre, Avon Bank, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10
3JP

The Scottish Rock Garden Clubhttp://www.srgc.org.uk/
The Scottish Rock Garden Club was founded in 1933 by a small group
of enthusiasts who were interested in promoting the cultivation
of alpine and rock garden plants. There are now over 4500 enthusiastic
members in 38 countries.

The British Cactus and Succulent Society
Home page: http://www.cactus-mall.com/bcss
Many people who grow houseleeks are also interested in other succulent
plants. The BCSS Journal occasionally contains articles on Sempervivums
or related plants and a number of the nurseries that advertise
in the Journal have houseleeks in their sales lists. The Membership
Secretary is:

D. V. Slade, 15 Brentwood Crescent, Hull Road, York, YO10 5HU

National Council for Conservation of Plants & Gardens
- (NCCPG)
Web site: http://www.nccpg.com
The aim of this society is to safeguard and conserve the rich
and diverse gene pool of garden plants held within the British
Isles. To achieve this aim, over 600 National Plant Collections®
have been established. These are maintained by a broad spectrum
of garden enthusiasts ranging from large institutions, colleges
and Local Authorities to private individuals. More information,
and links to many NCCPG Members' sites can be found at: http://www.online.nccpg.org

(At Fernwood we hold the NCCPG National Collections®
of Sempervivum, Jovibarba and Rosularia
species and cultivars.)

The Royal Horticultural
Society
Web site: http://www.rhs.org.uk
Although concerned with all aspects of horticulture rather than
any particular group, membership of the Royal Horticultural Society
is valuable for any plant enthusiast. The monthly journal 'The
Garden' occasionally contains articles about succulent plants
and there was an excellent article on houseleeks in the November
1998 edition. For membership details contact: